Pilot killed as small aircraft hits Beijing’s China Zun skyscraper

A small plane crashed into a high-rise building in Beijing on the historical event date of 2026-06-26, killing the pilot and injuring 13 other people, according to Chinese authorities cited by the Associated Press.

Authorities in Chaoyang district said the aircraft, described as a two-seat light sport plane, collided with a building near the East Third Ring Road at 5:55 p.m. on Friday. The district statement said the pilot was the only person aboard the aircraft. It did not name the pilot or identify the building.

The global flight-tracking service Flightradar24 identified the site as CITIC Tower, also known as China Zun, one of Beijing’s best-known skyscrapers and the tallest building in the city. AP reported that the tower is 108 stories high and rises more than 1,700 feet, or 528 meters. The building sits in a cluster of skyscrapers in the capital’s business district and is known for a shape inspired by an ancient Chinese wine vessel.

AP photographs taken after the crash showed damage to the glass facade on one side of CITIC Tower, including an area where an opening appeared to have been covered. The source did not establish whether the injured people were inside the building or were hurt by falling debris. Authorities said the injured were receiving medical treatment.

Flightradar24 said the aircraft was a Sunward SA 60L Aurora and posted a flight path indicating that it had departed from an airport about 50 kilometers, or 30 miles, east of Beijing. The aircraft travelled west and its track ended just east of the East Third Ring Road. AP reported that one image of wreckage showed part of a registration number, “B-12,” and that the full registration number was B-12PP.

The cause of the crash was not immediately known. Authorities said an investigation was underway. AP noted that Beijing has strict airspace controls, including a recent drone ban, making the circumstances of the flight a focus for investigators.

According to Flightradar24 information reported by AP, the aircraft was operated by Shuangyue General Aviation, apparently referring to Dongshi Shuangyue (Beijing) General Aviation. AP said the company’s website was not accessible on Saturday. An online platform citing official data described the firm as providing services including private pilot training and aerial sightseeing tours.

The SA 60L is made by Starair Aircraft, based in Hunan province. Information from Starair’s website cited by AP said the single-engine model accounts for more than 70% of China’s light sport aircraft market and has been exported to Australia and the United States. The website listed a maximum cruise speed of 220 kilometers per hour, or 137 miles per hour, and a maximum takeoff weight of 600 kilograms, or 1,322 pounds.

AP also reported that social media posts about the crash were removed from China’s internet on Friday, while footage circulated on overseas platforms. A Caixin report about the casualties later became inaccessible.